Let's relive this shimmering and illusory age of Japan, 1000 years ago.
Through excavation and research starting 50 years ago, we've finally started to understand this unique past of Japan. Come see history and culture as it was here in Meiwa-cho of Mie Prefecture.
The noble families lived in lavish luxury.
And the women wore special kimonos
Beautiful ones called Ju-ni-hitoe.
And the women wore special kimonos
Beautiful ones called Ju-ni-hitoe.
The Ju-ni-hitoe is a gown layered with many colored kimonos, worn by the women of long ago.
You can try one on for yourself at the Itsukinomiya Hall for Historical Experience. This is an exceptionally rare experience.
*Prior inquiry required
You can try one on for yourself at the Itsukinomiya Hall for Historical Experience. This is an exceptionally rare experience.
*Prior inquiry required
"Saiku" is where the "Saioh" (unmarried priestesses from the royal family) resided.
For rituals and prayers, they served at Ise Shrine, in place of the emperor who was in Kyoto.
For rituals and prayers, they served at Ise Shrine, in place of the emperor who was in Kyoto.
"Saioh" women were chosen at the coronation of a new emperor, through divination. Since they were in service of the "kami" gods, they were forbidden from any relationships. Records of the Saioh women's painful separation from love are written in ancient literature.
In Meiwa-cho of Mie Prefecture, you'll get a closer look at how the royal Saioh lived, beyond just their clothing.
The " Saiku Heian Era Park " building is faithfully recreated at the center.
Through a VR experience, you can relive the festivals they had around here to wish for a bountiful harvest, and you'll be amazed at just how prosperous the area was.
Through a VR experience, you can relive the festivals they had around here to wish for a bountiful harvest, and you'll be amazed at just how prosperous the area was.
Can you try and imagine what they ate in Saiku?
We've revived some of the meal menus they had back then.
This is a boxed meal that uses seasonal seafood from the Ise Bay, and a host of other fresh ingredients.
We've replicated the food from the Saiku age, but seasoned it deliciously to satisfy.
*Prior inquiry required
We've revived some of the meal menus they had back then.
This is a boxed meal that uses seasonal seafood from the Ise Bay, and a host of other fresh ingredients.
We've replicated the food from the Saiku age, but seasoned it deliciously to satisfy.
*Prior inquiry required
The "Saioh Festival" recreates the long royal procession from Kyoto(the capital at the time) to Ise, and is held once a year. It was a long trek over six days and five nights, with 500 nobles and servants in tow. You can bet they had a very luxurious trip, sampling the best foods and inns along the way.
The current festival has a long procession of over 120 people, and is one of Japan's most extravagant festivals.
The current festival has a long procession of over 120 people, and is one of Japan's most extravagant festivals.
Saiku has been shrouded in mystery for the last 700 years, but with careful excavation and research, we're finally coming to see what it was like.
We display the results of our search at the Saiku Historical Museum. Our multi-lingual guide application can help you learn more about the fascinating history of Saiku.
Feel the Japan of over 1000 years ago at Saiku.
Located in Meiwa-cho of Mie Prefecture.
A special look at an illusory past in Saiku.